Chapter 1108: Outer Extreme (1+1/2)

The purple water rippled.

Inside the grand hall, the purple light blended into a unified glow, casting myriad colors. Gongsun Baifan stood terrified outside the cave dwelling, not daring to look up. For years, he had never even approached Ye Hui's doorstep, much less entered his abode.

The golden-eyed youth, however, casually paced, surveyed his surroundings, and stopped by the small, mirror-smooth purple pond.

This was Deep Purple Spiritual Water, a spiritual resource of the Capital Guard Dao. Though precious, it was not uncommon, often mistaken by lower-level cultivators for Purple Qi and Mansion Water.

As the True Monarch gazed, the pond water quickly boiled. Dark springs from deep underground surged upward, vaporizing into wisps of purple spiritual mist. Li Zhouwei stepped forward once more and stomped his foot lightly!

“Crack!” It was as if something deep within the earth had collapsed. All the purple water instantly receded, and a point of green light suddenly leaped up, attempting to escape through the air and wind. However, it was restrained by the heavenly light and fell into the True Monarch's hand.

The first thing that caught Li Zhouwei's eye was the talisman on it, a dazzling purple-gold. The runes flowed like molten gold, and four large characters written in vermillion ink read: “Path of the Immortal Capital.”

He casually pulled the talisman. Pliable as paper, it sagged limply into his hand. Its radiance dissipated, revealing the true appearance of the object within.

The object was about the size of a palm, made of a peculiar, pleasing azure-blue material. Its edges were irregular yet highly aesthetic. Held in the hand, it resembled a token, bearing five mystical runes: a gold point in the center, and four smooth, silver-purple points around the edges.

The back was flat, bearing four golden characters: Jingyang Grand View.

‘It’s a... storage-type treasure.’

The material of this object was extremely special, capable of storing spiritual items. It also seemed to have been refined into a spiritual embryo through a certain sacrificial ritual! Had he not torn off the talisman paper, the karmic destiny unleashed by the 'Breaking Mountains and Destroying Sects' event outside would have continuously enhanced its power.

His spiritual sense swept over it, and he was slightly taken aback.

Inside, it was a light blue, with clear, transparent water rippling within. Various colors of light shimmered, indicating it was a kind of spiritual water. A white jade slip lay submerged in it.

And it was a pool of 'Wall-Submerged Water.'

Li Zhouwei's expression was somewhat thought-provoking. He did not take it out, but subtly put away the green token first. He then walked away, leading Gongsun Baifan out of the hall.

The golden-eyed youth, dressed in white and purple robes and draped in a black cloud cloak, was already waiting outside the hall. Seeing Li Zhouwei step out, he quickly bowed and reported: “Father, General Yang requests an audience!”

Li Zhouwei was not surprised. He nodded and stepped forward, and the father and son entered the Great Void, floating onward. Li Jianglong waited for a while, then whispered, “Thank you, Father... With such divine might, your son and my two younger brothers... are all immensely grateful and joyful.”

With the fall of the Immortal Capital, Li Jiangxia had been dispatched to clear out the remaining forces in the area, while Li Jiangliang returned to the capital with two Lian Min. Only he was tasked with meeting Li Zhouwei, and what he referred to was, naturally, Guang Chan’s matter.

He lowered his brows and eyes. Li Zhouwei, neither smiling nor angry, nodded and said, “The Buddhist cultivators are full of schemes, and they plot against you. You should still be careful.”

Li Jianglong quickly swallowed what he wanted to say and nodded in agreement.

However, the Baiye Immortal Capital Dao was too close to the wilderness. After hearing this, Li Jianglong realized he had already descended from the Great Void and saw the brightly illuminated grand hall. The Yang imperial descendant, dressed in black, stood at the entrance, personally coming to greet them!

“Congratulations, King Wei.”

“General, the joy is mutual!”

Li Jianglong could only stop again, watching his father stride into the hall and disappear into the gloomy bronze ghost hall.

Yang Ruiyi's complexion was ruddy, and he looked extremely pleased. He intimately led Li Zhouwei forward. King Wei of Great Song glanced around, noticing his uncle standing nearby with a smile. Half a cup of clear tea had been drunk from the table, indicating they had been talking for a while.

Yang Ruiyi then said, “King Wei, this axe strike of yours, its fame has spread from north to south, its might has shaken Jianghuai—it is truly... unexpected!”

Li Ximing, however, raised an eyebrow, discerning the hidden meaning: ‘For Yang Ruiyi to utter the words ‘out of expectation,’ it seems even the Underworld was unprepared! So... even the great lords in the heavens have their unexpected moments!’

His mood brightened instantly. After listening to Yang Ruiyi's lavish praise, Li Zhouwei declined politely, then saw Yang Ruiyi smile and say, “King Wei’s great achievement has already been reported to the Sovereign. The Sovereign is greatly pleased and personally praised you in front of all the officials, stating it is an unprecedented achievement since the founding of the dynasty, the foremost achievement of slaying a general! Within a few days, an order should arrive for you to enter the capital to meet the Emperor and receive generous gifts of immortal artifacts!”

As soon as this was said, both True Monarchs of the Li clan were surprised. Li Ximing's expression changed slightly, appearing hesitant, while Yang Ruiyi's smile also shifted, and he secretly watched Li Ximing's face with some concern.

Li Zhouwei, however, smiled and said, “The Emperor’s grace is paramount. This king shall return to the lake, lay down his armor, burn incense to purify his nature, and then face the Supreme.”

As soon as this was said, Yang Ruiyi seemed to secretly sigh with relief, even showing a hint of gratitude. His voice softened considerably, and he even stopped with the polite formalities, hastily saying, “Excellent... excellent, I won't disturb King Wei...”

Watching the two Li clan members bow and withdraw together, Yang Ruiyi sighed in relief. He quickly returned to the main seat and, agitated, pushed the teacup away.

‘What exactly is the Sovereign thinking...’

If Guang Chan's matter was already unexpected, then summoning Li Zhouwei was an even greater unforeseen development. At least from Yang Ruiyi's level and perspective, the Yang clan had never considered arranging a meeting between the Emperor and the King!

It's not that a meeting between the Emperor and King was taboo... it's that there was no need for it at all!

‘These two are the biggest variables. One represents Mingyang, the other True Qi. They are already extremely difficult to control; do we really want them to clash?’

‘Every action of these two is symbolic. If the Song Emperor makes some unexpected move to suppress King Wei, wouldn't that be offending someone for no reason? That would still be good. But what if... what if there's even a slight chance the Emperor is outmaneuvered by the King? How embarrassing would that be in the Underworld!’

However, the Yang clan was not like the Zhao Emperor. If he truly gave an order for an audience, who would dare to refuse?

This made his anxiety even deeper, a mix of joy and worry: ‘Not to mention Guang Chan’s matter...’

The joy, of course, was that the north would not be able to stir up trouble for a while. He had considered breaking the deadlock and resolving the crisis, but he never expected Li Zhouwei to simply cleave the person to death with one axe strike!

Li Zhouwei's slaying of Guang Chan was awe-inspiring, and his martial cultivation shone brightly. This matter could only be described as a mixed blessing. The Song Emperor was overjoyed, but what about the Underworld? The Underworld likely dislikes anything that changes the status quo!

‘Those who oversee the grand scheme dislike variables, even if the variable might be beneficial to them. But if there’s a first time, there will be a second. Who knows what changes might come next? Rather than that, it’s better not to change at all!’

Of course, a person like Li Zhouwei is a variable in himself; the higher his cultivation, the more likely he is to change the situation. But it might be a bit too early...

He pondered for a moment, then could only set aside his thoughts and secretly comfort himself: “Fortunately, this is not my concern. At least from Yang Ruiyi’s perspective, it seems to be a good thing in every way!”

“What’s more, emperors and kings always have to meet eventually. It’s good to meet early while Li Zhouwei has not yet surpassed the Purple Stage. If they were to meet when both are at the peak of the Purple Mansion, with perfected divine abilities... then perhaps the great lords themselves would have to come down to observe!”

Thinking of that scene, he even shivered slightly. He sighed deeply, feeling that his position was truly like being on a knife's edge, utterly uncomfortable.

Zhijing Mountain.

As the light of Mingyang descended successively, Li Ximing tidied his clothes and smiled, “It seems the Underworld miscalculated.”

Li Zhouwei took a step with his hands behind his back, sat by the jade table, and filled the teapot with clear tea, saying, “It’s just the beginning.”

“Moreover...”

He took a sip of tea and said, “I don’t think it counts as a miscalculation. Only the master of the Great Mu Dharma Realm suffered a defeat. The Underworld, on the other hand, seems to have been fanning the flames. Today’s event has a bit of the meaning of a 'Sparrow-Carp Fish' heading south to occupy the guest position of True Qi. Without the permission of a major figure from the Underworld, this matter could not have succeeded.”

Li Ximing fell into thought, but Li Zhouwei began to smile. His face, usually stern, now had its fierce look swept away by this rare smile. “Yet it’s also a good thing—no matter what, a Dharma Idol is still a True Monarch-level figure. Whether or not it borrowed the momentum of another side, this matter is substantial.”

“This is a good omen.”

He paused slightly, his eyes looking more assertive: “Since a Dharma Idol can miscalculate, then a True Monarch can also miscalculate. For the past few centuries, they have always engaged in exchanges and conspiracies. What if the position I hold, the golden position I seek, cannot be exchanged or conspired over? How then to break the deadlock? Those high-and-mighty figures are not omnipotent, and that’s enough.”

Li Zhouwei's smile deepened: “Uncle, what do you think the Song Emperor is happy about?”

“Killing Guang Chan? No!”

These words instantly enlightened him. Li Ximing was both startled and fearful, muttering, “So that’s it!”

He pondered for a long time but still struggled to understand Li Zhouwei's thoughts: “The Song Emperor, proceeding step by step, is destined for a position beyond the reach of all under heaven. Why would he need to act like this?”

Li Zhouwei refilled his tea and said, “Heavenly Martial, how could he ever be beneath others? As for how the Underworld truly schemes, if Uncle could easily understand it, then they wouldn't be able to reside in the Netherworld and observe the mortal realm from afar.”

Li Ximing nodded, then hesitantly said, “As for... meeting the Emperor.”

Li Zhouwei smiled and said, “Let him come. A temporary hidden excitement is harmless. Both light and shadow know themselves. Over a hundred years of competition, who will be the Emperor—it is still unknown.”

The dull golden light rolled in his bright golden eyes, leaving Li Ximing speechless for a long time. He sighed deeply and said, “Good!”

The two settled the matter. Before Li Zhouwei could speak, Li Ximing was already beaming with joy. He hastily took out a pile of items from his sleeve, first holding up a shimmering golden pagoda, saying, “We’re rich now! I just went to the wilderness and specifically inquired about it. Guang Chan’s pagoda is a blend of Bright Square Celestial Stone and Heavy Bright Gold Essence mixed with Lihuo. It looks like a Buddhist item, but its value is actually considerable!”

He quickly put down this item, then held up the long spear, saying, “And this Lihuo Spear is also not weak. The spear body used half a portion of Sky Separation Red Gold, and the spearhead even has a fraction of Sky Sun Colored Copper. Although it’s very thin, it’s still there!”

Li Ximing stated solemnly, “Back then, when the Emperor Lord reincarnated the Lihuo Spear, he used Sky Sun Colored Copper! This item is comparable to Heavenly One Pure Origin.”

Li Zhouwei merely smiled and said, “Used even better than I could.”

Li Ximing's smile deepened as he said, “Yang Ruiyi also mentioned that Guang Chan was a very peculiar person. These items, at their root, were not transformed into Buddhist paths; he only created a framework, then used his own Immortal Dao cultivation to integrate Buddhist techniques for their completion. The golden pagoda can be smashed with some effort, and eighty to ninety percent of its raw materials can be recovered! The materials of this spear are mostly mixed, so it’s not easy to refine if smashed. It will take quite some time to refine properly.”

Li Zhouwei was startled and somewhat surprised: “This monk... why did he go to such lengths?”

Li Ximing sneered, “Yang Ruiyi saw through it at a glance, saying he still intended to return to the demonic path, naturally preparing a fallback!”

Li Zhouwei was thoughtful. The Female Water Glazed Lotus Treasure Seat had already transformed into palm size and was held by Li Ximing in his palm. He said, “This is also a good item; it was transformed from a Female Water spiritual object. Unfortunately, it was transformed too deeply. It must have been given to him by some Buddhist cultivator, and its materials are already mixed. Unless an artifact-forging saint intervenes, it would likely be difficult to restore it.”

Only then did he take out the cassock and the white-skinned, gold-edged Xuan Drum, saying, “These two items are slightly inferior, and you broke them. But even among Buddhist cultivators, they would still be decent treasures!”

Li Zhouwei glanced at them and smiled, “This matter is not difficult. The old True Monarch of Quyi Mountain is originally a Grandmaster of Artifact Forging. Trouble Uncle to make a trip to Quyi and discuss it with him; there will surely be a solution.”

Li Ximing nodded and said, “I was just thinking the same thing. Not only that old True Monarch, but also True Monarch Liaoluo, who is also skilled in this art! If we cannot disturb the old True Monarch, it would be good to seek him out instead.”

Li Zhouwei then stopped smiling, took out a jade box from his sleeve, placed it on the table, and said, “Uncle mentioned his gains. Coincidentally, this junior also has quite a few gains here.”

He then brought up the matter of his trip to Dali Mountain, which made Li Ximing hesitate to speak several times, his smile fading considerably.

After a long time, Li Ximing finally said, “Although Senior Liu might have attached himself out of self-interest, who doesn't attach themselves for benefit? Several generations of friendship, multiple instances of assistance, and even guarding the East Sea today—none of these can be erased. His genuine emotions were not faked.”

“This junior understands.”

Li Zhouwei let him pause for a moment, then pushed the jade box and said, “As for this item... Qing Yuqian said it is 'Final Quiescence Submerged Essence,' also called 'Extreme Yin Outer Qi.'”

“Final Quiescence Submerged Essence?”

Li Ximing took another look, listening to Li Zhouwei say with a complex expression, “The Lunar Moonlight is the Yin pole. This object is the 'yin of the extreme outside,' located where the Lunar falls and hides. It merges yin and nature; it is the ultimate yin object. Because it is a sign of 'submerged ultimate yin,' it cannot be absorbed by humans. Consuming this energy leads to immediate violent death.”

Li Ximing secretly pondered the meaning. Li Zhouwei then said, “However, if this object encounters yin-yang energy, it manifests the symbol of 'yin pole seeking change,' thus transforming into another path. It has enormous use in alchemy and artifact refining. In Qing Yuqian's words: Ancient cultivators flocked to it, and if one obtained even a single piece and kept it, they would spend their entire lives devising a method to achieve fame for generations, revered by thousands!”

Li Ximing's eyes brightened as he asked, “What does 'transforming into another path' mean?”

Li Zhouwei still had a sense of wonder, answering, “Qing Yuqian gave me the most famous example... There was once an ancient True Monarch named Zuoyuan. Before attaining enlightenment, he practiced the Lunar Dao Lineage but lacked divine abilities. He then sought out Jueyin, but had no suitable weapon. Fortunately, he obtained a portion of Final Quiescence Submerged Essence.”

“He then sought out Sima Kongyou, the most renowned Grandmaster of Artifact Refining at the time. Upon seeing the Final Quiescence Submerged Essence, Sima Kongyou knew that the time had come for his name to spread for a hundred generations. He sacrificed himself for the Dao, refining for Zuoyuan a Secondary Manifestation Great Bow Star.”

“It is said that this object is neither extreme nor deficient, neither full nor lacking. It is located between Lunar and Jueyin, yet it can embody both aspects. Its unpredictable transformations attracted worldwide attention, and True Monarch Zuoyuan ascended to the Jueyin position, achieving True Monarch status, by means of it!”

Li Ximing gradually fell into contemplation, while Li Zhouwei sighed and said, “I heard that the golden position achieved by this True Monarch was extremely peculiar. Although he ascended to the Jueyin position, his celestial rank was not far from the Lunar Celestial Domain. To repay Sima Kongyou, he hung the Secondary Manifestation Great Bow Star in the sky, as a small tail-star, proclaiming it to the world.”

“From then on, the Secondary Manifestation Great Bow Star became one of the stars worshipped by craftsmen. They often used this star to divine the famous artifacts they would create in their lifetime. It can be said to be of paramount importance!”

Li Ximing remained silent for a long time, seemingly pondering the mysteries within. After a long while, he finally said, “I understand! It is such a precious treasure! To use this item well... the requirements for artifact crafting skills and even cultivation must be extremely high!”

He looked at the small jade bottle in the jade box with a complex expression: ‘Such a supreme treasure... there are still four more bottles in the Sun and Moon Radiance Heaven and Earth!’

The two exchanged glances, realizing the horror of it: ‘Such a thing, obtaining even one, carries the possibility of assaulting a golden position. How much immortal merit could it be worth?!’

‘That lord, presumably Li Jiangqun... had a full five bottles... and this is just the remaining half-box that wasn't used. Where did the other half-box he used go?’

The two fell silent for a moment, simultaneously abandoning the topic. They also dared not keep the item in a storage bag now. They quietly put it away, preparing to send it back to the Sun and Moon Radiance Heaven and Earth. Only then did Li Zhouwei take out his second gain from entering the mountain: a shimmering golden and extremely heavy spiritual scroll: The Grand Void Origin Sequence Profound Bureau Creation Method!

This book was extremely long, densely packed with golden characters. Any single rune, when it entered one's spiritual sense, became myriad profound words. Li Ximing, a dignified Purple Mansion cultivator, was actually overwhelmed and dazzled, needing to activate his divine sense for enhancement to read it clearly.

Li Zhouwei sighed and said, “I read the profound outline of this thing; it is indeed extremely valuable. The Pure Qi spiritual object that Sibo Xiu acquired back then was indeed a correct choice; it could solve major troubles, but it only resolved one or two tenths of the problem.”

Li Ximing solemnly put it away and said, “I know this thing is precious. I don’t know how long it would take to collect the spiritual resources. This matter must wait until Qu Wan comes out of seclusion; then we can discuss it together.”

Although their own conditions were not bad, there was still a large gap before they could create a secret realm in the Grand Void. Two juniors were about to achieve Purple Mansion, which would definitely be another huge expense. Li Zhouwei did not elaborate. He took out the azure jade obtained from the Immortal Capital Dao from his sleeve, handed it to Li Ximing, and smiled, “Uncle, take a look. This was obtained from the Immortal Capital Dao... This item was entrusted deep within the earth veins and refined using the fortune of 'breaking mountains and destroying sects.'”

There were no taboos here, so Li Ximing flipped his hand and took out the jade slip. Upon seeing it, he exclaimed in surprise, “Cloud Capital Dao Entry Manual? This is...”

Li Zhouwei shook his head and smiled, “Uncle, read it carefully.”

Li Ximing then spent some time reading. He remained silent for a long time, then said, “It seems like... a secret method for entering a grotto-heaven in a certain Dao... only half of it... and it also relies on some mysterious token. It’s too complicated. With only this half in hand, it’s useless to you or me...”

This made Li Zhouwei laugh: “Ye Hui... actually likes to play such tricks. It seems... he has a good understanding of the situation and many thoughts in his mind.”

Li Ximing was silent for a moment, then looked carefully for a while and asked doubtfully, “What does this... mean?”

Li Zhouwei smiled and said, “Ye Hui's cultivation is high, and his schemes are deep. How could he casually risk leaving an item in the mountain? And this item happened to be triggered and discovered by my Dharma Body? I was already suspicious, and when I saw the 'Wall-Submerged Water' in the token, I had a premonition... This person... intentionally left this item for me. What's wrong with it that it specifically needs this 'Wall-Submerged Water'? It's a hint, and it also shows his capability!”

“He knew I would conquer the Immortal Capital Sect! And he also knew my family greatly lacked 'Wall-Submerged Water'!”

Li Ximing was silent for a moment, then replied, “This half of the Cloud Capital Dao Entry Manual... is his sincerity?”

Li Zhouwei nodded and said, “Uncle, do you remember how this person rose to prominence?”

Li Ximing suddenly realized: “Dou Xuan Mountain, Chu Yi Heaven! This token in my hand is the Profound Token?!”

But he soon looked doubtful and whispered, “Ye Hui offered such a temptation... he must be asking for something in return, right? What does my family have that is worth him exchanging for this?!”

Li Zhouwei shook his head and smiled, “My family has nothing to covet... but the great power struggle between north and south—there’s plenty for him to covet! Situ Huo has thoughts of defecting to the other side, but isn't there anyone who wants to defect to us? This person (Ye Hui) is arrogant and absolutely unwilling to defect to the Buddhist cultivators, yet Buddhist cultivators covet his cultivation. How could he rely on Buddhist cultivators?”

“How many Dharma Idols are there among the Seven Prime Ministers of the North? Since they occupy the fundamental essence of the Capital Guard, how could they allow him to covet the Capital Guard! The Capital Guard, a great Dao that involves 'dotting spirits on capital mountains' and often deals with ghosts and spirits, wouldn't it be excellent for him to join the Underworld?”

Li Ximing instantly understood completely: “So that’s it... so that’s it! He’s incredibly bold!”

The True Monarch still seemed somewhat incredulous, saying, “I heard... Wei Xuan was extremely good to him, entrusting him with important responsibilities. Yet he completely disregarded their friendship, planning betrayal from beginning to end!”

“Friendship? How could it compare to the importance of a golden position!”

Li Zhouwei smiled and said, “He wants to curry favor with the Underworld, not True Qi, hence he needs to bring about a major change in the situation—he had been planning this since the day he joined the North. I once wondered why, if he intended to join the North, he would come to rescue Uncle in advance, and why he would come to our sect’s mountain gate to say such words... His so-called mutual assistance was nonsense. He was stating his ambition... just to show that he wouldn’t join the Buddhist cultivators, paving the way for this very day!”

“Yang Ruiyi is good at defense but not offense; he won’t hold power for too long. Situ Huo might betray him instead. Only my family was early in his sights, and he knew my family would inevitably fall into the South’s hands, so he made arrangements in advance... that was the most proper course of action.”

“And my family is a clan, considerate of our juniors. This grotto-heaven is most suitable for promoting juniors, and there’s even the Wuguan legacy. My family would surely be tempted!”

Li Zhouwei's eyes gleamed like bright stars: “Of course, there’s one more thing—he doesn’t know if his defection is truly within the calculations of the great lords on both sides... Is Yang Ruiyi reliable? Is he willing to accept him, this variable? But I am certain—this King Wei will definitely not miss the chance to greatly break the North, and will absolutely be willing to accept variables!”

“On one point, Uncle, you are right.”

The King Wei of Great Song had a hint of admiration, whispering, “This person’s courage and ambition... are truly rare in this era!”